Every spring, signs of kitten season start popping up — tiny paw prints in the dirt, soft mews drifting from under a deck, and a mama cat keeping watch nearby. Kitten season runs from March through October, when unspayed cats give birth and shelters see an increase in newborns who need specialized care.

While it’s natural to want to scoop up kittens the moment you spot them, many kittens are not abandoned at all. Mother cats often leave briefly to find food and then return when the area feels quiet and safe. Removing kittens too soon can put their health at risk, which is why knowing when to pause, observe, and ask for guidance is essential.

If you find kittens, remember to “pause before you pounce”. Warm, clean, quiet kittens usually mean mom is nearby, even if she’s watching from a distance, while cold, crying, injured kittens or kittens whose mother hasn’t returned after several hours need help. When intervention is needed, foster homes become true superheroes, especially for kittens who require bottle-feeding and round-the-clock care.

If you foster with Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement, we provide all supplies, training, and the support you’ll need, including hands-on instruction at Purrs & Paws on April 25. Otherwise, we always welcome donations of kitten food, formula, bottles, heating pads, and other essentials to keep tiny bellies full as we gear up for the busiest kitten months of the year! Support by visiting GwinnettCounty.com/SupportAWE.

Wipe those paws at the door

Most dogs can’t resist a good mud puddle, and spring showers only increase the chances of messy paws making their way indoors. Don’t stop the fun — just keep cleanup simple and consistent. After outdoor play, give your pet’s paws a quick check:

• Wipe pet paws at the door to catch mud before it spreads
• Rinse off your dog’s paws with warm water
• Gently dry between the toes
• Check for cuts, stuck burrs, or small stones
• For cats who wander outside, use a soft damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to remove any dirt or pollen

Protecting paws isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about prevention, too. To keep paws healthy and your home cleaner:

• Use dog booties or paw balms on especially muddy walks
• Trim hair around paw pads to reduce matting and mud accumulation
• Set up a mini paw-cleaning station near your door with a towel, shallow basin, or wipes ready for post-walk check-ins

A little routine care keeps your floors cleaner and gives your pets the extra TLC they’ll love!

Springtime adventures in the garden

From tiny sprouts to twitchy whiskers, your garden has more visitors than you think! Curious cats may pounce on new shoots, nibble on leaves, or chase butterflies, while dogs might dig where the soil smells best, and rabbits or guinea pigs love hopping through flower beds. While these antics are adorable, some plants can pose real risks. Common garden hazards for pets include:

• Toxic plants like lilies, daffodils, azaleas, and tulips
• Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that can be harmful if ingested or tracked in on paws and fur

Knowing which plants are safe, reading labels on chemicals carefully, and keeping toxic items out of reach are essential first steps for a safe garden. To protect your garden and pets:

• Use raised beds, containers, or fencing to keep plants out of reach
• Offer cats a pot of cat grass or catnip
• Create a designated digging box for dogs
• Provide water dishes for wildlife so they aren’t tempted to nibble plants or drink from treated areas
• Store mulch, compost, and fertilizers securely
• Choose pet-safe alternatives whenever possible

With a little prep work, your garden can be a haven where pets, plants, and wildlife coexist happily. 

SUCCESS STORIES

HELPING HANDS

Helping Paws Youth Program

We’re thrilled to introduce the Helping Paws Youth Program for kids and teens ages 5 to 17 to make a real difference in the lives of shelter animals! This program offers single-day volunteer opportunities for participants who must be in an organized group, such as a school, church, or youth organization. 

Under the guidance of trained staff, the volunteer sessions teach compassion, responsibility, and the importance of civic engagement while supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our animals. The sessions are flexible, lasting one to three hours, and could include hands-on experience with enriching activities that reduce stress for long-term, senior, and special-needs pets. 

This meaningful introduction to animal welfare encourages lifelong volunteerism and helps our animals become happier, healthier, and more adoptable. To learn more or reserve a spot for your group, email us at AWEVolunteers@GwinnettCounty.com.